How did you come across Erik Janse?

I had the pleasure of working with him at my previous employer, Höcker advocaten. At that time we handled the bankruptcy of V&D. Not surprisingly the ICT creditors stopped their services. In order to have enough time to investigate the possible scenario’s for the future of V&D, it was an absolute priority to keep the day-to-day operations in business. We had to keep the ICT processes up and running. Erik played a fantastic role here by quickly mastering this very, véry complex job. Really impressive.

Now I work for EP&C, a patent office. We needed to transform the outdated ICT siuation to a future proof environment. In this particular case we wanted somebody who is able to delve into the organisation and become familiar with our services. Frame the problem and deliver the appropriate solutions. I left it to him, he fixed it. Smooth, almost as if it were easy.

What characteristics did he bring to table?

To start with, craftmanship ofcourse, knowledge and experience. But for me trust is the crucial issue. After all, we outsource one of our most fundamental businessprocesses. You need someone who is able to empathize with the workfield and with the question I put on the table.
He listenend and said: 'we're going to solve that.' And that is exactly what he did. Much to our satisfaction. It’s nice to work with someone who is informal without crossing the boundaries. Who has an apparant decisiveness, works well with others and does that in an independant manner. I mean, for me it was not necessary to meet and reflect all the time. I know I can trust him.

Are there projects for which you would not hire Erik?

I won't call Erik for a small standard job.

Erik in three words?

Very smart man

That's three words but one notion.

Yes, but it ticks the box!
Allright, Erik in three words:
Smart. Decisive. Reliable.

Menno Ong - General Manager at Patent Office EP&C